Noy: Being criticized comes with the job

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino said yesterday that although being criticized comes with the job, he reiterated that he is not God or Superman who has a solution for all the country’s problems.

Speaking at The STAR’s 24th anniversary celebration yesterday, Mr. Aquino said people should also remember that he is not “omnipresent or omniscient.”

“There will be times that we will be criticized,” he said. “I’m looking forward to that also because it is a means that we can go about with the delivery of services.”

“At The STAR, there is fairness. Maski na puro bad news naghahanap ng good news kahit paano (Even if it is all bad news, still it looks for good news),” Mr. Aquino said.

Mr. Aquino arrived at The STAR office at around 2:30 p.m. yesterday.

The President was welcomed by STAR officials led by president and chief executive officer Miguel Belmonte, editor-in-chief Isaac Belmonte and PhilSTAR.com chief Kevin Belmonte.

Mr. Aquino said he had witnessed in his personal capacity how people strive to do good to the extent of putting themselves at risk to make sure that they live up to their commitment. 

Mr. Aquino said some of those in the media seem to have taken to heart his being a bachelor and refused to give him a “honeymoon,” referring to a period, usually the first 100 days, when a new administration enjoys some relief from criticism.

“Meron kayong mga karibal na dyaryo diyan na lahat ng ginagawa ko ay mali (You have rival newspapers that think everything I do is wrong),” he said.

Mr. Aquino said several groups were already holding protest rallies in front of his house on Times St. in Quezon City even before he was sworn in. But he said it was all part of being in government. 

Mr. Aquino joked that had he known he would be asked to sing, he would have checked with Public Works Secretary Rogelio on the situation at Angat dam, and if the water level was still low he would sing for fifteen minutes. Bad singing is usually blamed for pouring rain.

Mr. Aquino promised that on The STAR’s 25th anniversary next year he would bring his sisters along to be his backup singers.